Accepting a Covenant

What is the difference to accept a covenant vs. covenanting?

Websters (1828) defines COVENANT, v.i. To enter into a formal agreement; to stipulate; to bind ones self by contract.

When I convenant, I bind myself to a solemn agreement previously stiputated.

The noun COVENANT is defined:

COVENANT, n. [L, to come; a coming together; a meeting or agreement of minds.]

1. A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a contract; stipulation. A covenant is created by deed in writing, sealed and executed; or it may be implied in the contract.... 4. In church affairs, a solemn agreement between the members of a church, that they will walk together according to the precepts of the gospel, in brotherly affection.

What does it mean to ACCEPT a COVENANT?

ACCEPT is defined as:

1. To take or receive what is offered, with a consenting mind; to receive with approbation or favor.

2. To regard with partiality; to value or esteem.

3. To consent or agree to; to receive as terms of a contract; as, to accept a treaty; often followed by of.

4. To understand; to have a particular idea of; to receive in a particular sense.

When I covenant, I bind myself to the stated agreement. When I hear the covenant and then accept the convenant rather than actually convenant, a slightly different thing happened.

Paying the Consequences for Sin

I have members of the church allude and outright declare that justice must be exercised on those who sin regardless of whether they have repented or not. I have always disagreed with these people. I leave mercy in God's hands. He can, if he chooses to waive the consequences of sin to some degree.

For example, when the angel came to Alma and the sons of Mosiah, they were stopped in the tracks in their quest to destroy the church of God. They could either repent of be destroyed. When the repented, God show great mercy on them. Look at the following verse:

Alma 26:20 Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.

Now Alma and his brethren did receive persecution from the unbelievers. That was a consequence of changing from a sinful state to a righteous state. That wasn't taken away. I can see that the agency of others to persecute another isn't taken away.